If you’ve ever asked yourself “What is a method statement in the UK?” or “How do I actually write one without getting lost in jargon?”, this guide is for you. We’ll cover everything from definitions to practical examples, and we’ll flag the common mistakes that can turn a good method statement into a liability.
What Is a Method Statement in the UK?
A method statement is a written document that explains how specific tasks will be carried out safely and efficiently. In the UK, they’re often paired with risk assessments and are particularly common in industries where safety is paramount, construction, civil engineering, demolition, electrical installation, and even large-scale event setups.
In short, a method statement answers three big questions:
What work is being done?
How will it be done step by step?
What risks need to be managed along the way?
While the legal requirement for method statements isn’t as strict as risk assessments (which are mandated by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974), they are widely used to demonstrate compliance and best practice. On many sites, especially in construction, no method statement = no work.
Why Are Method Statements Important?
You might be tempted to treat a method statement as just more paperwork, but the truth is they play a crucial role. Here’s why:
Safety First: They outline hazards, protective measures, and safe working methods.
Compliance: They show you’re meeting UK health and safety standards and regulations.
Clarity for Workers: Everyone on site knows exactly what’s expected of them.
Accountability: Roles and responsibilities are clearly documented.
Risk Reduction: Proper planning reduces accidents, delays, and legal disputes.
Think of a method statement as insurance: you hope you never need to rely on it in an emergency, but when things go wrong, you’ll be glad you wrote a proper one.
Who Prepares a Method Statement?
Generally, it’s the contractor or project manager who takes the lead in writing method statements. But depending on the project, you might also see them prepared by:
Health and Safety Officers – ensuring compliance with legal standards
Site Supervisors – who know the day-to-day realities of the work
Specialist Subcontractors – especially for technical tasks like scaffolding or asbestos removal
Ultimately, the person who writes it should be someone who understands both the technical process and the associated risks. It’s not a box-ticking job; it’s about creating a useful guide that the whole team can follow.
Key Sections of a Method Statement
Before you even start writing, it helps to know the typical structure. A good method statement should include:
1. Project Information
Basic details: project name, location, client, main contractor, and date.
2. Scope of Work
What tasks are being carried out, and what’s excluded? Keep it specific.
3. Responsibilities
Who is in charge of what? From site manager to workers.
4. Work Sequence
A step-by-step breakdown of how the task will be performed.
5. Resources and Equipment
What tools, machinery, or materials are needed?
6. Safety Measures
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), signage, and site controls.
7. Risk Assessment
Link or include the risk assessment, highlighting hazards and mitigation.
8. Emergency Procedures
What happens if something goes wrong, first aid, fire escape routes, contact numbers.
9. Environmental Considerations
Waste disposal, noise reduction, pollution control.
This structure ensures nothing important is overlooked.
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Method Statement
Now let’s walk through the actual process.
Step 1: Identify the Work and Risks
Start with a clear description of the task. Don’t overcomplicate it, use plain English. For example:
“Installation of suspended ceiling panels in office block, including use of scaffolding and power tools.”
Next, identify potential hazards. For ceiling work, this might include working at height, falling objects, or electrical hazards.
Step 2: Define Roles and Responsibilities
List who is responsible for supervision, safety checks, and execution. Example:
Site Manager: Daily briefing and supervision
Workers: Follow procedure, use PPE
Health & Safety Officer: Conducts risk checks
Step 3: Write the Work Sequence Clearly
Break the job into logical steps. For example:
Deliver and unload materials.
Erect scaffolding and check safety.
Install suspension grid.
Fit ceiling panels.
Clear site and dispose of waste.
Each step should be easy for workers to follow.
Step 4: Add Safety and Compliance Measures
At each step, identify the safety measures. Example:
Scaffolding to be inspected by a qualified person.
Workers to wear helmets, gloves, and harnesses.
Electrical equipment checked for PAT certification.
Step 5: Review and Approve
Once written, the method statement should be reviewed by a manager or safety officer, then signed off. Updates should be made if site conditions change.
Example of a Method Statement
Here’s a short example for scaffolding:
Project: Office Block Renovation
Task: Erection of Scaffolding
Scope of Work:
Erect 3-storey scaffold around perimeter for brickwork repairs.
Work Sequence:
Deliver scaffolding materials.
Erect base securely on level ground.
Build scaffold stage by stage with bracing.
Install guardrails and toe boards.
Inspect scaffold daily before use.
Safety Measures:
Workers to wear helmets and harnesses.
Scaffold inspected by a qualified person.
Signage placed around work area.
This is simplified, but you can see how clear, step-by-step wording makes it usable.
Common Mistakes in Method Statements
Even experienced managers slip up. Here are the pitfalls:
Too Vague: Saying “use PPE” without specifying what type.
Copy-Paste Templates: Each project is unique; don’t rely on generic documents.
Overly Complex Language: Workers need clarity, not legal jargon.
Missing Emergency Details: Fire exits, first aid, these are non-negotiable.
Failure to Update: Conditions change on site. Your method statement should too.
Tips for Writing an Effective Method Statement
Write in plain English, if it reads like a law book, you’ve lost your audience.
Keep it project-specific, tailor it to the actual risks and tasks.
Use short steps, easy to follow during a toolbox talk.
Always review and update when conditions change.
Make it visual, diagrams or flowcharts can help.
Remember, a method statement is as much a communication tool as it is a compliance document.
Why This Matters Beyond Compliance
Here’s the thing: clients, contractors, and inspectors don’t just see a method statement as paperwork. They see it as proof of your professionalism and reliability. A well-written one can win you contracts, boost your reputation, and keep your team safer.
And yes, it even affects SEO indirectly if you’re a company publishing method statement templates or guides online, because clear, precise content is exactly what search engines (and people) trust. That’s why, at Spinbot, we often remind readers that polished, structured content is key to standing out online. If you’re curious about how tools like Spinbot’s AI Reword Tool can help you refine technical documents or guides without losing clarity, it’s worth checking out.
Oliver Bennett, with his Master’s degree from Manchester Metropolitan, is our in-house SEO specialist. At Spinbot UK Blog, he focuses on optimizing content to achieve the highest search engine rankings and edits articles to ensure they meet the highest standards of clarity and precision.